Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) talks on the sideline late in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.(Photo: Sam Greene)

Andy Dalton walked into a mostly empty Cincinnati Bengals locker room, his hands pressed together under his chin as he wandered over toward A.J. Green.

The two quietly talked, before walking down the long hallway and turning toward the parking lot slowly, stride for stride.

Neither has experienced a drought quite like this in their career – at any level. When they return walking the other direction back into this locker room to begin practice for Green Bay on Monday, it’s fair to wonder what will be different. All they know is something needs to be.

A frustration bubbled to the surface in the postgame of the demoralizing 13-9 defeat Thursday, completing two games without a touchdown.

“We are playing like sh-- right now,” Green said, not stopping there. "We got to find a way to get our playmakers the ball. That's it. It's a superstar-driven league. You are not going to win without them."

The last time the Bengals went back-to-back games without a touchdown was the 2008 season. Those teams could blame the loss of starting quarterback Carson Palmer. This group is figuring out who to blame. There are many targets.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) paces the sideline between drives in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.(Photo: Sam Greene)

Dalton continued to miss throws and though he didn’t have a turnover -- unlike his five-turnover debacle in Sunday’s shutout – the problems inevitably start with him. It wasn’t but two years ago Dalton was in the MVP conversation. The offensive line continued to struggle, but the quarterback of the first two weeks barely resembles the 2015 version.

As for a move to AJ McCarron, Marvin Lewis stood behind Dalton after the game.

“No, I’m not worried about Andy,” Lewis said, before stating specifically the quarterback’s job is secure at this point. He was then asked if Dalton has taken a step back. “No, I don’t think he’s taken a step back. I think we have to continue to let Andy do his thing.”

From there the arrow points directly to offensive coordinator Ken Zampese. One year finishing 24th in points per game and spending on offseason trying to fix red zone woes, the Bengals are 0-for-6 inside the 20, with three no scores against Baltimore.

The Bengals have never fired a coordinator mid-year in their 50 seasons. The only moves at either coordinator spot came due to head coach firings forcing upward movement.

OC Bruce Coslet took over as head coach when Dave Shula was fired in 1996. DC Dick LeBeau was promoted to head coach in 2000 upon Coslet quitting three games in.

After the game, Lewis didn’t want to touch that direction.

“We’re not going to sit here tonight and (harp) on that and talk about that right now,” Lewis said.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Ken Zampese, left, is reviewing how he can help the team score more points in 2017.(Photo: Kareem Elgazzar)

What will be talked about was Green at his locker after the game rightly wondering why the ball never made it his way on the final drive, or much at all after halftime.

Green provided the lone explosive play of the game, a 50-yard reception over triple coverage in the second quarter. Yet, in the second half of a one-score game he was targeted four times, with two completions for three yards.

“Being one of the leaders of the offense I feel like – no disrespect to nobody else – that ball should be mine somewhere somehow,” Green said of the team's final drive. “That’s my mentality. In those situations, I want the ball. As the leader of the offense, you should be like that. I wanted that ball.”

On Sunday, the game ended with Green throwing his helmet in frustration. This one ended watching Alex Erickson targeted three times.

“Obviously, you want the ball in his hands as much as possible,” Dalton said. “You have your best player out there you want him to be a focal point. We are going to have to look at it and see what we can do differently.”

Between often repeating that “it’s tough,” going through this drought, Green dropped in that he can only run the plays that are called. He’s not going to be pounding his chest demanding anything.

“That’s not me, personally,” Green said. “My body of work speaks for itself, I don’t feel like I have to go beg for the ball.”

He put the onus on his group and offered suggestions. Typically, when Green talks everyone listens.

“This offense doesn’t go without us, we have to be involved more early," Green said. "Get (Brandon LaFell) the ball early, get John (Ross) the ball earlier. As one of the leaders of the offense, I feel we need a spark and need the ball in my hands somewhere, somehow. You have to find a way to get me the ball and we are not doing that right now.”

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) embrace at the end of the game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) walks off the field after the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals fans react to the team's play in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

A Cincinnati Bengals fan reacts to the losing scoreline in the fourth quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals fan react to the losing scoreline in the fourth quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) paces the sideline between drives in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) carries the ball in the fourth quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) talks on the sideline late in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson (12) is pulled down by Houston Texans defensive back Eddie Pleasant (35) on a carry in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (7) kicks a field goal late in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) holds his right arm after suffering an injury in the fourth quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) clutches at his right elbow after a hit in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

The Ben-Gals cheerleaders perform after the third quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

The Cincinnati Ben-Gals perform before the fourth quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Shaw (26) celebrates as he comes off the field after a stop in the third quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) splits defenders on a catch in the third quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) reacts after a he was called for illegal touching on what was a touchdown catch in the third quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws in the third quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32), center, carries the ball in the third quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) makes a catch in the third quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Former Bengals from left to right, Neal Craig, Rich Braham, Chad Johnson, Bill Bergey, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Corey Mays, Takeo Spikes and Max Montoya pose for a photo after they were honored as Bengals legends during halftime Thursday September 14, 2017.The Bengals legends are part of the celebration of the Bengals 50th season.
Cara Owsley, The Enquirer/Cara Owsley

Former Bengal Chad Johnson hugs Tyler Eifert after Johnson and other former players were honored as Bengals legends during halftime in celebration of the Bengals 50th season. Photo shot Thursday September 14, 2017.
Cara Owsley

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) kicks a field goal late in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

A Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader performs in the second quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

A Cincinnati Bengals pretends to talk on the phone in the second quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson (12) makes a catch deep in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) is tackled on a carry int he second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) reacts as he cannot reach an overthrown pass in the second quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) returns to the sideline on fourth down in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scrambles out of the pocket in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vincent Rey (57) celebrates a stop in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the pocket in the second quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

The Ben-Gals cheerleaders perform at the end of the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) celebrates after forcing the Texans to punt in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) comes off the field after pinning the Texans at their own 3 yard line in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson (12) returns a punt in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson (12) reacts after a punt return in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) carries in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Chris Smith (94) celebrates a sack in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Chris Smith (94) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Jordan Willis (75) chases Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) out of the pocket in the second quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is tackled at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) takes the snap under center in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) returns a kickoff in the first quarter during the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) returns the kickoff in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Alex Erickson (12) and the Bengals offense prepare to take the field in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) takes the field for the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The Texans led 10-6 at halftime.
Sam Greene

Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) takes the field before the Week 2 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.
Kareem Elgazzar

Fans who spent the last 120 minutes of play booing this group are frothing to read into any comments in regards to the coordinator or even further up the ladder. Changes to coordinators are unique but not rare across the league midseason. Six offensive coordinators have been fired mid-year in the past two seasons.

Year, Team: Old OC -- when move made -- new OC

2015, Rams: Frank Cignetti – 13 games -- Rob Boras

2015, Dolphins: Bill Lazor – 11 games -- Zac Taylor

2015, Lions: Joe Lombardi – 8 games – Jim Bob Cooter

2016, Bills: Greg Roman – 2 games – Anthony Lynn

2016, Ravens: Marc Trestman -- 5 games -- Marty Mornhinweg

2016, Jaguars: Greg Olson – 8 games – Nathaniel Hackett

Oddly, last year the Buffalo Bills fired OC Greg Roman after one season plus two games, his last a loss on Thursday Night Football in Week 2.

Those places are not Cincinnati. A move being made is without precedent for this organization. Of course, so is going two games without a touchdown to start the season in the Marvin Lewis Era.

Whether in the coaching staff, simplifying the bevy of rotations at skill positions, altering the plan of attack or just listening to Green and getting him the ball, there’s little doubt assessing necessary changes were on the top of the mind of everyone associated with this offensive group as they walked to the parking lot on Thursday night.

We shall see how many come.

“I don’t really have the answers,” said tight end Tyler Eifert, targeted once in the opener and not until the final two minutes of the second quarter Thursday. “But we have to find a way. We are just too good for this. We got to find a way to make it work because it would be terrible to see this season go all for naught if we don’t find a way to get it right. We all have to look in the mirror and be accountable. The performance tonight was unacceptable and we have to find a way to be better.”